New training brings new opportunity for Security Forces Airmen

by Airman Ashley Williams
121st Air Refueling Wing

8/28/2015 - RICKENBACKER AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Ohio -- Airmen with the 121st Security Forces Squadron deployed to Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center, Mich. for their annual training Aug.6- 21.

The purpose of this training is to get SFS Airmen ready to deploy overseas at a moment's notice.

"We like to instill in them skills that allow them to accomplish deployed missions in a safe manner." said Tech. Sgt. Stephen Nace, an AT instructor with the 121st SFS.

The Airmen covered a wide gamut of training evolutions to include land navigation, squad movements, reactions to contact, weapons training, mounted and dismounted operations, and other small details for safety in a deployed location, said Nace.

"We simulate real world battle events to stress the importance of leadership and decision making," said Capt. John Haley, with the 121st SFS. "By the time they get called to combat, it won't be the first time they've seen it, and they'll be prepared for that challenge."

In a new twist added this year, the Airmen were sent to Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center, Mich. to spend three days in the field as part of a simulated deployment experience.

"The Airmen were presented with an opportunity they haven't seen before, to get used to going into the unknown," said Haley. "They are the best-hearted, highly motivated people in the Air Force."

The Airmen endured three days of constant training, applying the skills they've learned up until that point.

"Every day was like a piece of the pie and now we're sitting here with the whole pie," said Airman 1st Class Trey McHenry, with the 121st SFS.

Together, they established their operation order and carried out their missions with background supervision from their instructors.

"To have the opportunity to teach them is so fulfilling it's unbelievable," said Nace. "Our Airmen are highly educated and driven individuals looking to take on more responsibility, gain more knowledge and make themselves a more valuable asset to the unit as a leader, an Airman and a defender."